We were so lucky to have Leanna Leithauser Lesley demonstrate needlepoint to the campers today. Leanna takes needlepoint to the next level and hopes to revive the art form with her contemporary take on one-of-a-kind canvases. Bib & Tucker member June Solomon assisted the campers with their technique. 

Today, Bib & Tucker member Stephanie George taught our campers about up-cycling and they made scrunchies, draw-string purses and reversible shoulder bags from t-shirts. Stephanie talked about the throw-away culture of the fashion industry and encouraged our campers to search out materials in thrift stores and yard sales in order to create one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories. Another day of high-paced machine work!

Today, Bib & Tucker member and quilter extraordinaire Barbara Willingham taught the campers how to make a complicated-looking quilt block called the Reverse Four-Patch. Then she taught the campers how to add sashing to a quilt block to make it larger and how to make a simple pillowcase. Campers then stuffed and sewed the pillow shut. Another busy, busy day!

Today, our special guest was Birmingham legend, Debra Riffe. She taught the campers about relief printing and they created compositions and carved their own linoleum blocks. Our fearless camp leader, Celeste Pfau, brought in her portable press so the campers could print their blocks on paper and t-shirt fabric.

Never underestimate a UAB professor...Dr. Larrell Wilkinson, when he is not working with the Nutrition Obesity Research Center, is honing the force with his young daughter. Both are avid Star Wars fans and the Sew-Op was lucky enough to have the chance to help Dr. Wilkinson out recently. After donating a sewing machine and some fabric, he mentioned that he had an unusual alterations request. He brought in a Jedi robe that he purchased as an easy costume for Halloween or well, as it turns out, just to wear around the house. The robe was huge and Dr. Wilkinson needed it taken up at the hem, in the sleeves and around the hood. We were even able to reuse some of the excess to make a belt so that he can actually wear his robe around the house. When Dr. Wilkinson stopped by to pick up his altered robe, we were able to introduce our CHIA trainees to him (he was a judge during CHIA 2015) and we showed off the work the trainees have accomplished in just a few short sessions. Gotta love this community! (We are super grateful to Dr. Wilkinson for allowing us to snap a photo of him in full "Jedi" to share with our audience)